Dan Travieso shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Dan, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Bringing people together. Creating a community of like minded individuals who have a passion for music, art and travel.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Outside of importing fresh-cut flowers as my day job, I launched Coconut Groove in 2017, a brand dedicated to bringing the Coconut Grove community together through unique, high-energy events. From pig roasts and island meet-ups to lively block parties, each gathering is thoughtfully curated to create unforgettable experiences. Our focus is on blending underground dance music with the vibrant spirit of the Grove, transforming familiar spaces into moments of connection, celebration, and pure energy. Right now, we’re expanding our event lineup and exploring new ways to surprise and delight our community.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Before stepping into the flower industry after college, I had a range of jobs that shaped my work ethic and approach. Teaching martial arts at a young age taught me discipline and patience. Running a warehouse showed me the importance of organization and efficiency. Working at a bar sharpened my people skills and adaptability. Each role came with its own lessons, all of which have stayed with me and shaped how I work today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Before Coconut Groove, I hosted a yearly fundraiser called Festidan (for 10 years). Some years were incredible, we raised a significant amount for charity, and the event was a huge success. Other years were much harder, with challenges like bad weather causing losses that made me question why I was even doing it. But the most fulfilling moments came from hearing people share how they’d made special connections at the event. Those testimonials reminded me that I was creating something bigger than myself. Over time, I realized organizing these events wasn’t just something I could do, it felt like a calling.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Bringing people together.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
This is an interesting two-part question. I’ve spent 20 years in the floral industry, a career that’s provided me with a steady income and the opportunity to work in a fascinating, ever-evolving field. But over time, I’ve realized that what I was born to do is bring people together. So, I’m constantly balancing the stability of my career with my passion for creating meaningful, shared experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coconutgroovemiami.com
- Instagram: @coconutgroovemiami
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@coconutgroove9715
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/coconut-groove
Image Credits
Lauren Morell, Alexis Aleman
